Physical Design Engineer

Acceler8 Talent is working with an AI Hardware Startup developing next-generation AI hardware designed for efficiency, scalability, and performance across edge-to-cloud computing environments. Their technology brings together advanced architectures and streamlined software integration to enable high-performance AI in power- and space-constrained systems. We’re seeking a Senior Physical Design Engineer with deep expertise in chip-level implementation and EDA tools to help deliver industry-leading silicon.

Responsibilities include:

• Leading physical design activities across chip and block levels, driving successful implementation from floorplanning through signoff
• Managing timing closure, physical verification, and optimization for power, performance, and area
• Developing and refining low-power design strategies and ensuring proper integration across design hierarchies
• Running and debugging EM/IR checks, power grid analysis, and related reliability verifications
• Writing and maintaining automation scripts (Tcl, Python, or similar) to streamline design flows and validation steps
• Collaborating with front-end design, CAD, and methodology teams to ensure robust and scalable implementation practices
• Evaluating and improving physical design methodologies and EDA tool flows for new process technologies

Ideal background:

• 10+ years of direct experience in physical design and chip implementation (excluding logic design or CAD roles)
• Strong, hands-on knowledge of EDA tools- particularly Cadence- used in chip implementation
• Proven expertise in timing analysis, timing closure, and hierarchical floorplanning
• Solid understanding of low-power design principles and debugging methodologies
• Experience with EM/IR analysis and issue resolution, including power grid verification
• Proficiency in scripting languages such as Tcl and Python for automation and flow development
• Familiarity with physical verification processes and foundry tapeout requirements
• Additional experience with PDK management or advanced flow evaluations is a plus